Norah | Peru 200hr YTT Testimonial
My experience with this Yoga Teacher Training was amazing. I went into this training without any expectations other than that I was going to be immersed into the world of yoga. Before I discovered this training, I was going through one of the most difficult phases of my life, leaving an abusive five year long relationship. I was disconnected from myself and the things that truly brought joy to my life. My Yoga practice was the safe haven away from all of the chaos, abuse, fear, and confusion. My yoga teacher informed me of a training coming up that she was leading.
At first I was hesitant to take the leap. Did I want to travel to another country alone? How would I afford it? Did I have the courage? Did I want to even take a Yoga Teacher Training? So much was already changing in my life so I decided to pour my heart into the scholarship application. It was several weeks before I heard anything regarding accepting and had begun to accept the fate that I did not receive it.
Then, exactly 6 months away from my 30th birthday, I received the scholarship acceptance email. I was beaming with joy. It was really happening. Choosing myself was resulting in big beautiful moments in my life. Fast forward to June and I have made my solo journey to the Sacred Valley of Peru. I was scared, nervous and soooo excited. Since I was 18, yoga had been one of the only constants in my life. Yet again, yoga was the avenue to bring me home, back to myself.
Raices Inkas was like a dream upon arriving. Hidden in the valley, at first I wasn’t sure I was in the right space… I was journeying here alone, my taxi dropped me off at the end of a rocky and dusty road. I had no idea which direction to go but I just started walking until I found a gate open wide for me. I walked into the garden to see a big beautiful statue of Kali, fierce and guardian the entrance – the best welcome.
Everywhere I looked was filled with intentional beauty. I couldn’t help but smile so big. This was a magical healing sanctuary that took care of all of our basic needs so we could fully immerse ourselves in yoga. Taking time away to meander through the gardens, hanging in the hammocks, petting the kitties, playing music in the dome…. All were the perfect ways to integrate the teachings. It was truly like a dream.
My instructors Katie, Xyloh and Maria did an outstanding job relaying and teaching the true foundations of yoga and the Shamanic Medicine Wheel. The warmth they carried and love they all had for this practice truly took it to another level. All three had such a unique approach and style of teaching that made everyday so enjoyable and exciting.
Each of the four cycles was so intentionally crafted to guide us along this journey and more deeply into ourselves. I really appreciate the way the course is laid out. It’s not just learning about the asana but truly guiding us along an inward journey on freeing us from the things that keep us from leading our lives with love. Each satsang cultivated deeper integration and connection with one another. I shed with the serpent, faced my fears with the jaguar, forgave and found joy with the hummingbird and gained perspective with the eagle.
I especially loved learning about the sutras and having deep philosophical talks for hours in the temple. Diving deep with 16 other beautiful people about different sutras while relating them to the cycles really offered a lot of introspection and insight. Some days were difficult in facing many of the realities I had been living but so very necessary to free myself from the shackles that kept me stuck in patterns no longer good for me. I feel renewed, more aligned, clear and free.
I want to merge my herbal apothecary with my yoga practice and teachings. Offering ceremonies centered around different herbs and sutras, create Asana sequences that align with each chakra and herbs that offer support and alignment. I want to create a space where all people feel welcomed and included in sharing their experience of yoga.
Eventually I see myself studying trauma informed yoga and working with the domestic violence center that has helped me find safety after leaving my own experience with domestic violence. I dream of walking alongside women who were in situations like I was and helping them see the light at the end of the tunnel, through yoga and herbal medicine.
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